Monday, 9 July 2012

It has been only a short ten years since Sam Raimi brought our favourite arachnid to the big screen - and this instantly leaves us with the question of just how innovative this new telling of the story can really be.

While the initial plot, though dressed up, remains the same, director Marc Webb does make some notable changes, the most obvious being a change in the love interest; Red-headed girl next door, Mary Jane Watson is replaced by yellow-haired Gwen Stacey, who alas, still just reminds us of Mary Jane – now donning a blonde wig.

Webb has the upper-hand with visuals, as special effects have come on a long way in the past ten years. With the addition of 3D, the film is truly spectacular making the climax one of the most thrilling climaxes to come from Hollywood yet.

One of this action fantasy's greatest assets is its actors: Andrew Garfield, Rhys Ifans and Sally Field all give charismatic and sympathetic performances, which help the rather thin and stretched-out story move a little faster.

2002's Spiderman was one of the very first films to start up the modern phenomenon of comic-book movies. Luckily for him, Raimi got there first and since his adaptation was such a strong one, it was always going to be a difficult wall to climb over.

Ultimately, this new offering of Spiderman may be thoroughly entertaining and even thrilling in parts, but it offers very little to the webbed crusader's world that we haven't seen before and nothing new to the Marvel Universe.

Monday, 2 July 2012

We’ve passed the half way mark of 2012 and though nobody
could deny that there has been a fair share of cinematic disappointments (American
Reunion, The Dictator and even Prometheus) and even some outright turkeys (Piranha 3DD
anyone?) but we have still had a
reasonably strong year in film so far. With The
Dark Knight Rises, Great Gatsby and Perks
of Being a Wallflower still to be released, here’s a look at 2012’s finest
offerings thus far.

Martha Marcy May Marlene– Sean Durkin

This is one of those haunting films which subtly eats away at your brain even after the film has ended. Utilising the original concept of the film, rising star Elizabeth Olsen gives one of the most intriguing yet disturbing performances of the year. Her character’s paranoid mind flashes back to the years she spent living with an abusive cult, shortly after escaping from them. It may not be an enjoyable film to sit through, or even one that you'd care to go back to - but it is still a necessary experience... Mary-Kate and Ashley who?

Marvel’s The Avengers/
Avengers Assemble – Joss Whedon

Nobody cam deny that
this is 143 minutes of unadulterated entertainment. It may have some strong
contenders when it comes to comic book adaptations; but
Avengers Assemble is certainly up
there with the best. Showcasing a host of interesting and multi-layered heroes
(sadly only one of which being female), a snappy script and a breathtaking
climax there is not much to complain about. It may not offer anything that is tremendously
original or groundbreaking but it certainly raises the bar for future superhero
and comic book adaptations.

Chronicle – Josh Trank

From one superhero picture to another, this hand-held
adventure gives us a completely different experience: this is the Blair Witch of the superhero world. And while
it could be a total disaster given its popular choice in plotline, it still
packs a punch. Its three main characters could be the most complex characters
we have seen in the genre - Dane DeHaan’s chilling performance is a
standout as his sinister portrayal of Andrew pulls us uneasily in. Though it
becomes almost too camp in some
parts, this is a thrill ride you cannot miss.

Cabin in the Woods – Drew
Goddard

Though a lot of critics were on the fence with this one, its
ridiculousness has already generated a cult following. While The Avengers
boasts a polished, well structured and Hollywoodised product of screenwriter Joss Whedon’s talent, Cabin in the Woods lets his imagination run wild and free.
There are numerous winks to the fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
and homage paid to various horror films of past and present. This is by no means a ‘scary movie’, but it
makes up for it by being just as thrilling as it is funny.

Moonrise Kingdom – Wes Anderson

Every carefully grafted shot is framed like a painting or
photograph in this off-beat comedy about childhood romance. Anderson’s depth
and unique eye for detail makes this a visual feast. However, the
way the film appears is not the only positive with Moonrise. Since it is not directed by Tim Burton, style and
substance are on equal footing. This
picture provides us with two poignant, yet witty performances from its 13-year
old leads which are backed up by impressive acting from Edward Norton and Bruce Willis.
Though he is now a respectable auteur, this is arguably Anderson at his eccentric best.

The Five-Year year Engagement – Nicholas Stoller

If you are expecting another Bridesmaids
or The Hangover; The Five-Year year Engagement may disappoint. This is as much a commitment to being a relationship drama as it is a comedy, as Stoller sacrifices some of
the belly-laughs to showcase realistic relationship problems. While there are
some questionable performances from the supporting cast, Emily Blunt and
Jason Segel easily carry the film with their charm and wit. Admittedly, at
least twenty minutes could be shaved off this Rom-Com, as the cinema chair
begins to feel uncomfortable towards the end. However, this is still an honest
insight into marriage and relationships with good performances and enough
humour to keep it afloat. The best
comedy of the year.

Killer Joe - William
Friedkin

While we wait for Django
Unchained, William Friedkin keeps us occupied with his Tarantinoesque drama.
I use the Tarantino reference lightly though, as though this black comedy does have a
similar feel, it definitely is its own film, still baring Friedkin’s distinct stamp.

There are great performances all round, especially from the women, Juno Temple and Gina Gershon, who present us with non-clichéd and interesting female characters. Emile Hirsch also shines as he bounces back from a string of questionable films.

This grotesque story of family
can be a difficult watch and might have you swallowing your own vomit at times but you won’t look
away as the story is as captivating as its characters. And what more would you
expect from the director of The Exorcist?